Troy-based Continental buys vending machine supplier

Troy-based food management company Continental Services has purchased a Pittsfield Township-based vending machine supplier, marking its sixth acquisition in two years.

The purchase of Northern Vending Co. grows Continental's client base as it continues to seek expansion, according to a Tuesday news release.

Around 20 Northern Vending employees were added through the deal, and there were no layoffs, according to a company spokeswoman. Continental's total employee count is around 1,800.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The upside of this deal has made an immediate impact by boosting the density of our business in the western part of our market," Steve LaPorte, president of Continental's refreshment services group, said in the release.

Northern Vending provides vending, water cooler and office coffee services, according to its website.

Prior to the Northern Vending deal, Continental's latest acquisition was in March, when it bought Canton Township-based Sterling Services. Continental, which is owned by Boston-based private equity firm New Heritage Capital, has under its umbrella brands such as Forte Belanger, Co.Cuisine and Continental Cafe and Catering.